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Abstract Background Pakistan is a multi-ethnic society where there is a disparity between dietary habits, genetic composition, and environmental exposures. The microbial ecology of healthy Pakistani gut in the context of anthropometric, sociodemographic, and dietary patterns holds interest by virtue of it being one of the most populous countries, and also being a Lower Middle Income Country (LMIC). Methods 16S rRNA profiling of healthy gut microbiome of normo-weight healthy Pakistani individuals from different regions of residence is performed with additional meta-data collected through filled questionnaires. The current health status is then linked to dietary patterns through $${\chi }^{2}$$ χ 2 test of independence and Generalized Linear Latent Variable Model (GLLVM) where distribution of individual microbes is regressed against all recorded sources of variability. To identify the core microbiome signature, a dynamic approach is used that considers into account species occupancy as well as consistency across assumed grouping of samples including organization by gender and province of residence. Fitting neutral modeling then revealed core microbiome that is selected by the environment. Results A strong determinant of disparity is by province of residence. It is also established that the male microbiome is better adapted to the local niche than the female microbiome, and that there is microbial taxonomic and functional diversity in different ethnicities, dietary patterns and lifestyle habits. Some microbial genera, such as, Megamonas, Porphyromonas, Haemophilus, Klebsiella and Finegoldia showed significant associations with consumption of pickle, fresh fruits, rice, and cheese. Our analyses suggest current health status being associated with the diet, sleeping patterns, employment status, and the medical history. Conclusions This study provides a snapshot of the healthy core Pakistani gut microbiome by focusing on the most populous provinces and ethnic groups residing in predominantly urban areas. The study serves a reference dataset for exploring variations in disease status and designing personalized dietary and lifestyle interventions to promote gut health, particularly in LMICs settings.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in adults less than 40 years of age. Study Design and Setting: A Cross-sectional study was carried out from 2018 to 2019 at University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Methodology: After getting approval from ethical review board, 263 participants were included in the study using convenient sampling technique. Subjects over 40 years of age, with history of CVD, who was on medication, pregnant women, smokers, and drug addicts were excluded. A structured questionnaire was administered, and associated data was collected. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were made. Blood was drawn and analysed for total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, HDL, and blood sugar. The existence of modifiable risk variables is shown as percentages, and the difference between genders was evaluated using the chi-square test. Results: Out of total subject, 76% had at least one risk factor present. The risk of Obesity was 29% and 30% for men and women respectively. Central obesity was higher in females (61%) as compared to males (35). Risk factors including hypertension, total triglycerides, and less-than-desired high-density lipoprotein were more prevalent in males as compared to females (p-value .0001). Whereas risk factors including total cholesterol and inactive lifestyle were more in females as compared to males (p-value 0.012 & .0007respectively). Conclusion: Three risk factors (Obesity, Central obesity, and Total Cholesterol) were found to be higher in females, while 4 risk factors (Hypertension, Increased TG, raised LDL, and hyperglycemia) were higher in males.

The current study aimed to assess the pharmacological potential of Justicia adhatoda by evaluating the presence of biologically active compounds using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry approach and to undertake biological activities for the effectiveness of the present compounds using standard tests. A total of 21 compounds were identified in the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction in which 14 of the identified compounds are recognized for their pharmacological potential in the literature. In total, four fractions (ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and aqueous) were evaluated for pharmacological activities. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, the chloroform fraction exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (46.51%). Similarly, the analgesic potential of ethyl acetate fraction was the most effective (300 mg/kg) in the acetic acid-induced test. Similarly, in the formalin test, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum inhibition in both early (74.35%) and late phases (88.38). Maximum inhibition of pyrexia (77.98%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate fraction (300 mg/kg). In DPPH assay, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the highest scavenging potential among other fractions (50 μg/ml resulted in 50.40% and 100 μg/ml resulted in 66.74% scavenging).

We report the growth promoting potential in wheat under saline conditions by an endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus BTK-1. The isolated BTK-1 from the root of Chenopodium album was identified as Aspergillus terreus through 18S rDNA sequence analysis. BTK-1 secreted indole acetic acid (IAA), exhibited 1- aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate deaminase (ACC) and siderophores activity, and solubilized phosphate. Wheat seedlings were exposed to a saline environment (0, 60, 120, and 180 mM) with or without BKT-1 inoculation. Seedlings inoculated with BTK-1 showed higher concentrations of IAA and gibberellins, whereas they showed low concentrations of abscisic acid compared to the BTK-1 non-inoculated plants. Also, BTK-1 inoculated wheat plants revealed significantly (P = 0.05) longer shoots and roots, biomass, and chlorophyll contents. On the contrary, plants without BTK-1 inoculation indicated significantly (P = 0.05) low amounts of carbohydrates, phenolics, prolines, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, with high amounts of Na and malonaldehyde under salt stress. Likewise, BTK-1 inoculated wheat plants showed high activity of reduced glutathione, and low activity of ascorbate, catalase, and peroxidase under salt stress. The mitigation of salinity stress by BTK-1 inoculated wheat plants suggested its use as a bio-stimulator in salt affected soils.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in the soil and accumulation in plants poses a serious threat to crops and human health. HMs such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic are widely acknowledged for their adverse effects on plants such as chlorosis, necrosis, low food quality and crop yields. Endophytic fungi secrete secondary metabolites and enhance the plant’s ability to tolerate stressful conditions. However, the role of most fungal endophytes in their host plant growth or production of metabolites under HM stress conditions needs further understanding. In the present study, we studied the HM stress alleviation capability of the endophytic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus (MRF), isolated from the roots of Justicia adathoda. We studied two heavy metals, namely lead and cobalt. The culture filtrate (CF) of P. lilacinus revealed IAA (68.17 µg/mL), phenols (43.31 µg/mL), flavonoids (40.59 µg/mL), sugar content (97.83 µg/mL) and proline (17 µg/mL). Additionally, DPPH-free radical scavenging activity and the antibacterial potential against Salmonella typhi and Shigella sonnei of the CF demonstrated positive results. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the CF manifested different constituents, including (1) Trichloromethane, (2) 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, (3) phytol, (4) 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, (5) bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, (6) squalene and (7) Cyclotrisiloxane Hexamethyl. Moreover, the plant growth-promoting activity of the P. lilacinus (MRF) strain revealed a robust increase in root and shoot growth, and the fresh and dry weight of S. lycoprsicum. Further, the IAA, phenols, flavonoids, sugar, proline, relative water content and protein contents also increased in the S. lycoprsicum inoculated with P. lilacinus as compared to the control plants. The present study revealed that the inoculation of P. lilacinus alleviates the damages of HM stress and improves the physicochemical characteristics of S. lycoprsicum.

Plants are well known in traditional herbal medicines for their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and are often used due to their accessibility, affordability, and corollary effects. Leptopus cordifolius has been reported to control diabetes in folkloric medicine, but no known scientific research has been conducted to assess the plausibility of this assertion. Therefore, the current study is aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of Leptopus cordifolius leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic evaluation was conducted in Swiss albino mice at doses of 150–250°mg/kg for 15°days. The blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, creatinine, ALP, SGPT, and SGOT levels were estimated according to standard procedures. Phytochemicals of leaves were analyzed using GC-MS analysis. Enzymatic antioxidant activity of the plant was investigated spectrophotometrically by carrying out superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase assays. The membrane stabilization potential of L. cordifolius leaf extracts was carried out using an in vitro haemolytic assay. The results revealed a dose response effect with the methanolic extract of L. cordifolius which had significant antihyperglycemic effects at 150–250°mg/kg in alloxan treated mice, although less than the positive control (glibenclamide). Hyperlipidemic activity was significant at 250 mg/kg. The biochemical parameters, such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, creatinine, ALP, SGPT, and SGOT, were significantly improved (p < 0.01) by the methanolic extract of 250 mg/kg compared to the diabetic group. Treatment for 15 days showed significant elevation (p < 0.01) of antioxidant enzymes. GC-MS analysis provided tentative identifications of 52 compounds in the methanolic extract of L. cordifolius, of which 12 compounds have reported antidiabetic activity. In conclusion, methanolic extract of L. cordifolius of 150 and 250°mg/kg body weight showed significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in alloxan-induced diabetic mice and, with further work, has the potential to be used to manage blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Fungal endophytes are not widely known for their role in bioactive metabolite production and salinity stress alleviation in different crop plants. Presently, we investigated the salt stress (NaCl, KCl, and H2SO4) mitigation capabilities of fungal endophyte Candida membranifaciens (FH15) isolated from Euphorbia milii L. The pure culture filtrate (CF) of C. membranifaciens revealed siderophore production and solubilization of phosphate, with high levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA: 35.8µg/mL), phenolics (70 µg/mL), and flavonoids (50 µg/mL) by using a UV spectrophotometer. The LC/MS analysis of the CF showed different phenols and flavonoids that were identified as Salicylic acid, Baicalein, Aconitic acid, Feruloylquinic acid, Coniferyl aldehyde hexoside, Pentose, Chlorogenic acid, Myricetin, Propoxyphene, and Amino-flunitrazepam. Inoculation of maize seedlings with C. membranifaciens significantly (p = 0.05) enhanced the fresh and dry biomass, carotenoid, and chlorophyll contents under 100 mM salt stress conditions. Similarly, the catalase, peroxidase activity, phenols, proline flavonoids and relative water contents (RWC) of the maize plants were enhanced. More interestingly, the inoculation of C. membranifaciens on maize revealed a higher endogenous IAA level as compared to non-inoculated control plants. Endophyte C. membranifaciens inoculation on maize seedlings under salt stress revealed a 20.87% and 16.60% increase in fresh and dry biomass, as well as significantly enhanced root shoot length and allied growth attributes, in addition to an alleviation of the adverse effects of salinity stress. Conclusively, endophytic C. membranifaciens significantly enhanced the growth attributes of maize and mitigated the adverse effects of salinity stress. Such endophytic fungal strain could be used for further field trails to enhance agricultural productivity and facilitate sustainable agricultural practices.

We report the initial characterization of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and oral microbiota (bacteria) in 32 urban Pakistani adults. Study participants were between ages 18 and 40, had body mass index between 18 and 25 Kg/m2, and were students or early-career professionals. These individuals donated a total of 61 samples (32 gut and 29 oral) that were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Microbiome composition of Pakistani individuals was compared against the uBiome database of selected individuals who self-reported to be in excellent health. We observed strong gender-based differences in the gut microbiome of Pakistani individuals, a skewness toward Firmicutes, and unusually high levels of Proteobacteria in the Pakistani men. These observations may indicate microbiota dysbiosis, though 16S data alone can neither establish cause nor effect to human health. Albeit conducted on a smaller scale, our report provides a first snapshot about the composition and diversity of gut and oral microbiota communities in Pakistani individuals.

Abstract Background To combat salinity, plants need easily accessible, safe and sustainable mechanisms for optimum growth. Recently, endophytes proved to be the promising candidates that helped the host plant to thrive under stress conditions. Therefore, the aim was to discover endophytic strain(s) and their mechanism of action to alleviate salt stress in maize. Results Keeping the diverse role of endophytes in view, 9 endophytic fungi from the spines of Euphorbia milli L. were isolated. Among the isolated fungal isolates, isolate FH1 was selected for further study on the basis of high antioxidant activity and capability to produce high indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-acetamide (IAM), phenol and flavonoid contents. The 18S rDNA sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis of the fungal isolate FH1 revealed to be Yarrowia lipolytica. Furthermore, the inoculation of Y. lipolytica FH1 had significantly promoted plant growth attributes in treated maize as compared to positive (salt stress) and negative (salt stress free) controls. Likewise, differences in chlorophyll, carotenes, electrolyte leakage, leaf relative water, peroxidase, catalase, ABA, IAA and proline contents were observed between treated maize and controls. Interestingly, Y. lipolytica FH1 inoculated plants showed lower endogenous ABA and higher endogenous IAA contents. Conclusion From the results, we have concluded that Y. lipolytica inoculation has promoted the growth of maize plants through controlled metabolism and hormonal secretions (ABA and IAA) under salinity stress. Because of the fact, Y. lipolytica can be tried as an eco-friendly bio-fertilizer to achieve optimum crop productivity under saline conditions.

The use of plant endophytes to release salt stress is cheap and quick. In this respect, we have isolated an endophytic fungus (Trichoderma reesei) from Solanum surattense that promoted the wheat growth under salt stress. The results showed that the fungal inoculated wheat plants had higher chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbate, peroxidase, catalase, weight of plant, flavonoids, total soluble protein, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and relative water contents. Also, T. reesei treated plants showed higher IAA, GA, Ca and K, while lower ABA, H2O2, phenol, sugar, proline, electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA), Na+ and Cl−. The results concluded that the integrative use of T. reesei might help the wheat plants to stand salt stress.

The human microbiota is recognized as a vital “virtual” organ of the human body that influences human health, metabolism, and physiology. While the microbiomes of the gut, oral cavity, and skin have been extensively studied in the literature, relatively little work has been done on characterizing the microbiota of the human reproductive tract organs, and specifically on investigating its association to fertility. Here, we implemented a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing approach to sequence and characterize the gut and genital tract microbiomes from several married Pakistani couples. The recruited individuals included 31 fertile and 35 infertile individuals, with ages ranging from 19–45 years. We identified several fluctuations in the diversity and composition of the gut and genital microbiota among fertile and infertile samples. For example, measures of α-diversity varied significantly between the genital samples donated by fertile and infertile men and there was overall greater between-sample variability in genital samples regardless of gender. In terms of taxonomic composition, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes fluctuated significantly between the gut microbiomes of fertile and infertile samples. Finally, biomarker analyses identified features (genera and molecular functions and pathways) that differed significantly between the fertile and infertile samples and in the past have been associated with bacterial vaginosis. However, we emphasize that 16S amplicon data alone has no bearing on individual health and is merely representative of microbial taxonomic differences that could also arise due to multiple other factors. Our findings, however, represent the first effort to characterize the microbiome associated with fertile and infertile couples in Pakistan and will hopefully pave the way for more comprehensive and broad-scale investigations in the future.

Heavy metals contaminated soil is a serious environmental concern that has a negative impact on agriculture and ecosystem. Economical and efficient ways are needed to address this problem worldwide. In this regard, exploration and application of proficient microbial strains that can help the crop plants to thrive in agricultural soils that are greatly contaminated with heavy metals. The present study mainly focused on the effect of IAA producing endophytic fungi Penicillium ruqueforti Thom., on wheat plants cultivated in soil rich in heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb). P. ruqueforti has induced great resistance in wheat inoculated plants grown in heavy metal contaminated soil. Application of the isolated strain of P. ruqueforti restricted the transfer of heavy metals from soil to the plants by secreting indole acetic acid (IAA). Furthermore, P. ruqueforti inoculated wheat seedlings watered with waste water had higher plant growth, nutrient uptake and low concentrations of heavy metals in shoot and roots. On the contrary, non-inoculated wheat plants under heavy metal stress had stunted growth with symptoms of chlorosis. From the results, it is concluded that P. ruqueforti inoculation can establish a symbiotic relationship with host plants, which is useful for phytostabilization of heavy metals or in other words helping the host crops to flourish through soil that are highly contaminated with heavy metals.

Background: Malnutrition is a major public health problem in developing countries resulting in a high mortality rate (~60%) in children less than five years age. The malnutrition also appears to be a wide spread phenomenon in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in children under five in District Sanghar, Pakistan. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in flood affected areas of district Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 511 randomly selected children were assessed for malnutrition by measuring the middle of the Upper Arm Circumference. The status of malnutrition and data of socio-economical conditions were collected by interview through structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Categorical variables such as socio-economic status, religion and caste were examined using frequency distribution; whereas continuous variables such as age and middle of the Upper Arm Circumference were examined using frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 511 children, 66.1% (n=338) were affected by malnutrition. Further analysis into the mild (≤13.5 cm), moderate (11.5-12.5 cm) and severe malnutrition (

Background: Innula cappa (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) DC (Compositae) is used in folkloric medicine to treat diabetes and other ailments. The current study aimed to assess the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of methanolic extract and solvent fractions of I. cappa leaves as well as bioassay guided isolation of active compounds from the active extract. Method: The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of the extracts was evaluated by colorimetric assays, and the anti-diabetic activity was tested on alloxan-induced diabetic mice model. Moreover, flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry techniques were employed to analyze the chemical composition of the plant. Compounds were identified and isolated from the leaf latex of I. cappa using FTIR, GCMS, silica gel column chromatography, and their structures were determined using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS spectral data. Results: The results showed that the ME showed significant α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibitory hyperglycemic activities, significantly improving body weight, glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, and hematological markers. The UV-FTIR spectra revealed diagnostic peaks corresponding to several functional groups whereas GC-MS spectral analysis revealed 35 phytochemical components with different retention times in the ME of I. cappa. Spectroscopic isolation of the ME led to the isolation 5 compounds including ursolic acid, benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, stigmasterol and β - sitosterol. Conclusion: ME exert significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects demonstrating the medicinal value of I. cappa and emphasize its significance as unexplored natural reservoirs of phytogenic chemicals that require further investigation using cutting-edge analytical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study investigates how the organizational climate influences work–life balance (WLB) among women employees in universities across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a quantitative research design, this study utilized a survey methodology to collect data from women employees in 11 universities within Jammu and Kashmir. The study analyzed responses from 587 participants through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4.0. Findings – The findings underscore the significant positive impacts of organizational climate dimensions – autonomy, integration, involvement, support, training and welfare – on work–life balance. Self-efficacy was found to partially mediate the relationships between organizational climate dimensions and work–life balance, underscoring its role in enhancing employees’ capacity to manage work and personal life. The study highlights the importance of a supportive organizational climate in fostering self-efficacy and, subsequently, achieving a satisfactory work–life balance among women employees in academic settings. Originality/value – This research contributes to the existing literature by exploring the nuanced relationship between organizational climate, self-efficacy and work–life balance, specifically among women employees in the educational sector of Jammu and Kashmir. By highlighting self-efficacy as a critical mediator, the study offers novel insights into the mechanisms through which organizational climate affects work–life balance, providing valuable implications for policy and practice in educational institutions.